This volume presents a unique and accessible synthesis of our understanding of modern cosmology, written by one of the world's foremost contemporary cosmologists. In recent years, observational cosmology has made remarkable advances, bringing into sharper focus a new set of fundamental questions that Professor Rees addresses in this book. Why is the universe expanding the way it is? What were the 'seeds' that caused galaxies, clusters and superclusters to form? What is the nature of 'dark matter'? What happened in the very early universe? The latest exciting advances and theories are discussed, while maintaining a clear distinction between aspects that now have a firm empirical basis and those that remain speculative. Its wide scope and clear writing will be welcomed by anyone interested in cosmology and extragalactic astrophysics who has a basic grounding in physics, as well as academic researchers and graduate students in the field.

Unique and accessible synthesis of modern cosmology from a famous and internationally respected author.

About the Author
Martin Rees, born in 1942, is a Royal Society Professor and Fellow of King's College, Cambridge. He also has the honorary position of Astronomer Royal. He has held chairs at the University of Sussex and the University of Cambridge. He is a former director of the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, and has held visiting positions at Harvard, Caltech and Princeton. In addition to his unique contribution to the field as a researcher, he is the winner of the American Institute of Physics science writing prize, and is a talented lecturer at all levels. In 1993, he was invited to give a series of public lectures under the auspices of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, reviewing the progress of cosmology and its future prospects. These highly successful lectures were published as Perspectives in Astrophysical Cosmology (Cambridge University Press, Lezioni Lincee Series, 1995) and the updated and revised version is presented here.

Reviews
'A fascinating book which all students and others, with an interest in cosmology and some knowledge of physics, should read.' Michael Rowan-Robinson, Nature
'A slim but truly remarkable volume. It synthesizes modern cosmology in a way that no other book or review has recently succeeded in doing ... It is highly recommended.' Chris Prichet, Journal of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
'This, very readable book, is aimed at anyone interested in astrophysics and cosmology ... Highly recommended.' Peter D. Mata, Spaceflight
'I can highly recommend this small book to everybody who wishes to be introduced by an outstanding expert into cosmology, one of the most exciting branches of modern astrophysics.' Stefan Gottloeber, General Relativity and Gravitation
'This volume presents a unique and accessible synthesis of our understanding of modern cosmology.' Europe and Astronomy
'This, very readable book is highly recommended for its valuable insights into astrophysical cosmology.' J. Loveday, Contemporary Physics



Book Information
ISBN 9780521645447
Author Martin Rees
Format Paperback
Page Count 168
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 428g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 154mm * 10mm